Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 Mumbai attack accused, tries to stall his extradition, says, ‘I will be tortured as I am… ‘

A few months back, US President Donald Trump confirmed Rana’s extradition to India during a press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House last month. PM Modi also expressed gratitude to Trump for taking the step.

Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks has been trying to stall his extradition, a long-pending demand from India. Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian citizen, was convicted in the US for supporting the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and is wanted in India for his alleged role in facilitating the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people.

A few months back, US President Donald Trump confirmed Rana’s extradition to India during a press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House last month. PM Modi also expressed gratitude to Trump for taking the step.

However, Rana has now moved to the US Supreme Court to stall his extradition, citing the risks of being tortured in India. He also cited his religion, Pakistani origins and human rights report to block his transfer. Rana said he was a “walking time bomb” with numerous problems, including a bulging artery, Parkinson’s disease and possible cancer. “I will be tortured on the highest order since I am a Muslim of Pakistan origin,” he said.

After Trump’s announcement, government sources said he could be brought to India in a matter of few weeks. Once brought to India, Rana is expected to be produced in a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, after which the NIA will seek his custody for questioning. The extradition is being touted as a big success for Indian agencies and the government.

Rana was inducted in October 2009. He was convicted for providing logistical support for a foiled attack in Denmark but was acquitted of terrorism activities in India. The district court sentenced Rana to 14 years imprisonment. Terrorist David Headley also testified against Rana in court.